LANGFORD
The City of Langford is the largest municipality and commercial hub of the West Shore communities. Langford is also the fastest growing municipality in the Capital Regional District and saw a 20% jump in population from 2011 to 2016.
Its increasing popularity is largely due to more affordable housing options compared to neighbourhoods within the City of Victoria, where house prices have seen a major spike. Langford is also known for its family-friendly neighbourhoods and activities, which are attracting a younger population.
Profile
Population: 35,342
Average age: 38.6
Average full-time employment income: $58,600
Population density per square kilometres: 885.0
Land area in square kilometres: 39.94
Total private dwellings: 14,906
City motto: Golden in setting, determined in spirit
Amenities
The City of Langford has many elementary and middle schools, and the newly built Belmont Secondary. Royal Roads University is a five-minute drive away, and the University of Victoria is a 20-minute drive or one-hour bike ride away.
Commuting within, or to and from Langford by bus is quick and efficient as BC Transit has many routes throughout the city. Langford is also a 45-minute bike ride to downtown Victoria, or a 15 to 20-minute drive outside of rush hour.
Langford has a beautiful and walkable downtown with a library and major shopping centres. Residents in neighbouring communities travel to Langford for its big stores including Costco, Home Depot, Best Buy, Staples, and outlet stores.
Bear Mountain Resort, in the Bear Mountain neighbourhood, has a recreation centre, spa, and outdoor pool. It’s a beloved spot by local residents looking for a ‘staycation’.
There’s another fitness centre, the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, in nearby Colwood.
If you’re a fan of watching sports, Rugby Canada’s home field is in Langford’s Westhills Stadium, which draws international sporting events.
Langford is also known for being one of the most family-friendly cities. Its All Fun Recreation Park has go-karts, mini golf, and a batting cage, which are all next to the racing track Western Speedway. Langford’s City Centre Park has an ice skating rink, drop-in ice hockey, a play zone for kids, mini golf, a 10 pin bowling alley, and splash park.
Fun and Family
It’s no secret the City of Langford is big on sports. There are a number of leagues in Langford for rugby, hockey, baseball, soccer, swimming, and more. The city also supports a SportAssist program that helps remove financial barriers so more kids can play.
Bear Mountain Golf and Country Club is Langford’s premier golf resort. It has two golf courses; the Valley Course and the Mountain Course, which has a signature 19th hole. It also hosts a number of large tournaments each year.
Langford is home to Goldstream Provincial Park, which has a campground, accessible pathways, and hiking trails if you wish to trek 410 metres up Mount Finlayson, which is one of Greater Victoria’s highest summits. Goldstream attracts many visitors each fall during the annual salmon run, which includes thousands of spawning chum salmon.
Langford also has three lakes to explore including Florence Lake, Glen Lake, and Mill Hill Regional Lake. Florence Lake is a refreshing lake for swimming in the hot summer months and has beautiful boardwalks that also serve as fishing docks. Similar to Florence Lake, Glen Lake has a boardwalk and boat launch, and has a swimming beach that’s dog friendly all year long.